Manufacturing activity begins 2013 on solid note

摘要

Manufacturing growth began 2013 on a strong note in January, according to the January Manufacturing report on business from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The PMI, the index used by the ISM to measure manufacturing activity, was 53.1 in January, which tops December by 2.9%. A reading of 50 or higher indicates growth is occurring, and the PMI has now been over the 50 mark for the last two months. Economic activity in the manufacturing sector had expanded for 34 straight months prior to contraction in June, and overall economic activity has expanded for 44 straight months, according to ISM.